Suddenly, everybody loves Maina Njenga

By Kipchumba Some

Four months after he was dramatically released from prison, Mungiki leader Maina Njenga has fast turned into an important power baron who might shape the race to succeed President Kibaki in 2012.

The estimated five million members of the outlawed sect, who are loyal to Njenga, and his exceptional fundraising abilities have had leaders from the political divide trooping to him for support in 2012.

Although he is modest about his place in the succession race, Njenga admits many politicians have approached him for support. He is, however, reluctant to state whether he would be running for elective office.

"Many have come to me, but I have said now is not the time for that kind of thing. There is a time for everything and now is a time for peace. However, if anybody wants to talk to me about any project, I will not refuse," he says.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga is one of the many 2012 presidential aspirants known to have close relationship with Njenga. He (Raila) brought him books while he was in prison.

"Raila is just my good friend," insists Njenga.

"He encouraged me at times when I was down and I will always be grateful to him for that. We have not talked about 2012 politics."

Central Province has emerged as the choice destination for politicians in the Kibaki succession race. It is projected that the region might not field a candidate but will instead support one from another community.

This puts the region’s 4.5 million voters up for grabs to anyone who can win their hearts.

Njenga estimates that Mungiki followers stand at five million countrywide, but most of them are in Central, Nairobi and Central Rift Valley provinces.

Kanu Secretary General Nick Salat admitted that the party is courting Njenga to help in reviving Kanu’s dwindling fortunes.

"The only difference between us and others who are courting him is that Njenga has declared himself life Kanu member and we treasure such members," he said.

He continued: "Maina Njenga has a huge constituency, which we are trying to harness for the benefit of our party. Everybody has his reasons for looking for him."

However, Kanu Organising Secretary and former Siakago MP Justin Muturi is less optimistic on the role Njenga would play in the revival of the party.

"Either he overrates himself or the media have overrated him," he said.

"His incarceration has created an air of mystic around him, which he is trying to exploit. I doubt that he can translate the following he is perceived to have when the time comes," he added.

The burial of his wife Virginia Nyakio, a fortnight ago, provided the perfect occasion for Njenga to demonstrate his fundraising skills — another critical aspect that makes him ideal for presidential seekers.

Although he sent out an appeal for Sh5 million to offset mortuary fees, he got in excess of Sh9 million.

He says thousands of his supporters contributed small amounts via M-Pesa. Politicians also contributed cash. A Cabinet minister from Central Province is said to have contributed Sh4.7 million.

massive support

Others who contributed include former Cabinet Minister Njenga Karume, Embakasi MP Ferdinand Waititu, Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara, Assistant Minister Margaret Wanjiru and former Kabete MP Paul Muite.

Mungiki co-ordinators across the country contributed Sh627,000 while a group calling itself ‘Nakuru businessmen’ contributed Sh900,000.

While acknowledging the massive support and fundraising abilities, Dr Charles Otieno of the Institute for Polity and Policy queried whether Njenga will have influence on how his followers will vote in 2012.

"It is telling that it is politicians going to him and not he going to them, even after his cases and gory past of the Mungiki movement. All that has been conveniently forgotten in favour of political expediency," he said

He added: "He has clearly proven himself as somebody who can marshal support. Most politicians acknowledge his influence and want him on their side. But it is too early to tell the extent of influence he has over his following."

Otieno said unless Njenga reinvents his politics, he might be used and dumped by those seeking his support. "He needs to demonstrate that he is a man of his own destiny."

Although he insists Mungiki as we knew it — the murderous, snuff taking, oath-taking gang — is no more, the organisation remains intact and evidently fiercely loyal to Njenga — if the numbers that attended his wife’s burial are anything to go by. Twenty thousand mourners are estimated to have attended the ceremony but Njenga puts it at 40,000.

It has been a remarkable change of fortune for Njenga since his murder case was dropped in November. Since his release he has been hitting media headlines, but for different reasons.

Perhaps the highlight of Njenga’s rebirth so far was sharing a platform with former President Moi at a peace rally in Eldoret two weeks ago. Ironically, it was under Moi’s watch that the sect was proscribed.

In recent times, Njenga has tried to remodel himself as a champion of the youth. But political observers doubt that he can extend his influence to other regions. "I think he might be pushing his luck too far," said a political scientist who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Njenga disputes the allegation that his conversion to Christianity and baptism was a move meant sanctify him to allow him return to the society.

New life

"Mungiki has turned over a new leaf as preachers of peace and harmony. For a very long time, politicians used us for their own selfish purposes but we will not agree to that any longer," he says.

Former Nyeri Town MP Wanyiri Kihoro, however does not share this view and posed: "Why would politicians of great responsibility be willing to associate and consort with a person of questionable credentials?

"It is clear that those courting him have hidden political agendas"

But Salat argued: "We cannot play God on him. Who are we to pass judgement yet the courts declared him innocent?"

The manner in which the charges against him were dropped still baffles many. The charges were abruptly dropped after he threatened to provide damning evidence against top State officials who he claimed are involved in the activities of Mungiki and who orchestrated his arrest.

Mr David Murathe, former Gatanga MP and a close political associate of Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, accused Njenga of being used to destroy careers of certain politicians.

"Contrary to popular opinion, Njenga and his movement have been detrimental to the careers of some leaders. People have lost votes and support because of being falsely associated with the movement," he said.

Asked to comment about his presidential ambitions, he said: "Everything has its time and place and now is the time to work for peace. You know that I wanted to run for that seat in 2002 but I was denied the chance. But I will make up my mind, at the right time," he said.